It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
